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Quick Hit
by Ashlee Rezin
8:35pm
Mon Apr 29
2 comments

LifeSource Phlebotomists Seek Union Representation, Cite 'Rough' Working Conditions (VIDEO)

Phlebotomists employed by LifeSource are being forced to work long hours for little pay, according to one worker who spoke to the need for union representation at the Thompson Center in Chicago today.

Tiffany Walker, 41, is one of 160 LifeSource phlebotomists being provided the opportunity to vote Friday to join the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW), Local 881.

“We haven’t had a voice for a very long time,” said Walker, an Auburn-Gresham resident and LifeSource phlebotomist of five years.

“If we get union representation, maybe we’ll be able to stand up and speak for ourselves, and hopefully change some of our rough work conditions and make a living wage.”

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PI Original
by Ashlee Rezin
3:54pm
Fri Apr 26

Genetically Engineered Food Must Be Labeled As Such, Argue Consumer Rights Advocates

Congress

The United States is one of the last remaining industrialized countries that does not mandate disclosure of genetically modified organisms (GMO) on food labels. But recent state and federal legislation reflects the rallying cry of food advocacy groups calling for the government to give consumers the right to know exactly what they are eating.

Quick Hit
by Ashlee Rezin
5:48pm
Tue Apr 16

Coalition Of Illinois Physicians Announce Support Of Medical Marijuana Bill (VIDEO)

With the Illinois House of Representative possibly voting on the legalization of medicinal marijuana this week, nearly 250 physicians in the state have announced their support of the legislation.

“Who wouldn’t try something illegal if they’ve run out of options,” asked Julie Falco, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 27 years ago and said in 2004 she had thoughts of suicide as a result of a “cloud of heavy medications.”

“The medications didn’t make me feel better, they made me feel worse,” she said, noting that she turned to cannabis when she saw no alternative and immediately saw an “enormous benefit.”

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Quick Hit
by Ellyn Fortino
9:57am
Tue Apr 16

AFL-CIO Launches Updated PayWatch Webpage Tracking U.S. CEO Earnings

The AFL-CIO launched its updated and expanded Executive PayWatch webpage Monday, which tracks CEO pay of some of the largest U.S. companies and highlights the country’s growing wealth inequality.

The site’s new data shows that American business executives continued to do very well for themselves last year, while average workers struggled to make ends meet, said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka.

“These CEOs really should be ashamed for trying to balance the budget on the backs of American working people, while at the same time demanding corporate tax cuts for overseas profits,” Trumka said on a conference call with reporters. 

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Quick Hit
by Ellyn Fortino
11:48am
Mon Apr 15

Duckworth Discusses Concerns About Cuts To Social Security, Medicare With Elgin Residents

Residents of the 8th congressional district are terrified that their Social Security and Medicare benefits are going to be cut, U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D, IL-8) said after an hourlong meet and greet with constituents in Elgin this weekend.

“They’re barely making ends meet,” Duckworth told Progress Illinois at her third Congress at Your Corner event, held at the Gail Borden Library. “Whatever we do to balance our nation’s budget, it cannot be on the backs of these people.” Read more »